As the famous saying goes, ‘there is no ‘I’ in team’, and for St Clair’s Bailey Goodwin, the support of his team has been one of the keys to his positive run so far in the 2022-23 season in the Wingless Sprint ranks.
Currently in his fifth season in Wingless Sprints, the 22-year-old is enjoying his most competitive season, which currently sees him leading the NSW Club Championship point standings and also sitting second in the Eastern Creek Speedway Track Championship point standings behind Jason Bates.
Despite showing plenty of speed in previous seasons in Wingless Sprints, Goodwin has improved his consistency this season and has picked up two minor podium finishes – both at Eastern Creek Speedway – and numerous top five finishes and, as a result, has seen him go to another level and be able to contend for Championship honours.
Aside from his improved consistency out on the track, which has been attributed to gaining more experience as a driver and the team developing the car’s setup through their suspension package, Goodwin is well supported by the team around him.
“My team has been behind me since I stepped into Wingless Sprints, and everyone plays their part, and I simply wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Goodwin said.
“Everyone from my parents through to one of my long-time supporters in Trevor Hawkins and the experienced Tim Evans (ex-Speedcar and Sprintcar racer) support me 100 per cent and being able to run at the front of the field on a consistent basis is the best possible way to thank them.”
Goodwin said his plan for the remainder of the season is to try and consolidate his current Championship positions, but to also contest other major events, such as the Australian Championships at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway in Queensland later in the season.
“The team and I are committed to the entire NSW Championship schedule and doing the best we can every time we hit the track and hopefully the Championship points will take care of themselves,” he said.
“Apart from the NSW Championship schedule, I’m looking forward to contesting the major events like the Australian Championships and seeing how we stack up.”
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
